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Spicy Slow-Cooked Mexican Birria Tacos

Spicy Slow-Cooked Mexican Birria Tacos That Steal the Show

Experience authentic Spicy Slow-Cooked Mexican Birria Tacos with vibrant flavors and tender meat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 tacos
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast Substitution: Can use brisket or short ribs for different textures.
For the Marinade
  • 3 pieces Dried Guajillo Chiles Substitution: Can replace with fresh guajillo chiles, using 2-3 fresh per dried.
  • 2 pieces Dried Ancho Chiles Substitution: Substitute with a combination of dried sweet peppers for depth.
  • 2 pieces Dried Chipotle Chiles Can decrease amount for less heat.
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Substitution: Shallots can be used for a milder flavor.
  • 1 medium White Onion (chopped) Optional: Yellow onion can be an alternative.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin No direct substitution.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Substitution: Fresh oregano can be used, adjusting the amount by 1/3.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon No direct substitution.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves Notes: Use sparingly; nutmeg is a potential substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar Substitution: White wine vinegar can be used.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
For Cooking
  • 4 cups Beef Broth and Water Note: Stock can replace broth for added depth.
For Serving
  • 12 pieces Corn Tortillas Note: Flour tortillas can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish can be used.
  • 1 cup Diced Onion (for garnish) Optional: Red onion for a bolder taste.
  • 4 pieces Lime Wedges (for serving) Mandatory for serving.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spicy Slow-Cooked Mexican Birria Tacos
  1. Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the dried guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles, toasting them for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant, turning slightly darker but not burnt.
  2. Transfer the toasted chiles to a bowl and pour hot water over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them soak for 15 minutes.
  3. In a blender, combine the soaked chiles along with minced garlic, chopped onion, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
  4. Place the chunks of beef chuck roast into the slow cooker. Pour the flavorful chili marinade over the beef, ensuring that all pieces are thoroughly coated.
  5. Pour in beef broth and water into the slow cooker, gently mixing to combine. The liquid should just cover the meat.
  6. Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4-5 hours.
  7. Once the beef is cooked to perfection, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a plate. Using two forks, shred the meat until finely pulled apart.
  8. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it. Place the corn tortillas in the hot skillet, warming them for 30-60 seconds per side until hot and pliable.
  9. Fill each warmed tortilla with generous amounts of the juicy, shredded birria. Top with freshly chopped cilantro and diced onion.
  10. Plate your enticing birria tacos alongside lime wedges, inviting everyone to squeeze some tangy juice over their tacos.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 22gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, reassemble tacos just before serving to enjoy the best flavors from your spicy slow-cooked Mexican birria tacos.

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